Laura O'Shaughnessy-Swan "Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good when put together, that overwhelm the world." Desmond Tutu

What was your initial inspiration for creating Stewards of the Sea and leading this movement?

"Born sea side, baby of five and aware always of mother ocean and her force, I learned and respect her power... healing and otherwise it felt natural "to get large' with children’s art and form Stewards of the sea, LLC ("STEWARDSHIP:job of taking care"). We take care of our ocean. I have raised two compassionate, scholar- athlete bilingual sons. Both of whom severed as ocean senior guards on the Local Lifeguard Patrol. As both leaders in their professional fields, They both have known the necessary force behind being a leader in one's community as well. They have supported my every move by being there on site and involved in the conception stages of an environmental impact statement through art."

What was the hardest thing you had to do to gain credibility?

"I did not need to win any credibility. As a local art educator for 3 decades, I am always willing to “jump in” to lead or lend my skills when it comes to Art, the environment and creative solutions. The art studio in town was getting together to make art “Save the Mermaids” to help gain awareness of the LNG port Ambrose. When people become aware, thats how I get my credentials"

Whats your go to dinner on a Friday night?

"It varies; keeping it simple these days...tending to elderly parents and learning from their wisdom. but we like an outdoor grill in the yard under the night sky."

All time favorite Movie?

"The Incredibles, no doubt. I believe in using my “powers” for good. 🌎"

Whats your favorite thing to do with your family?

"The ocean, 900 feet from our home, is our family favorite go to. In a world where one is always searching to live in the now, the ocean humbles and helps one rely on instincts. We learn a reverence for a broader perspective as a human, while in the mercy of the ocean, the wild. The ocean provides a lot more for us than we probably even consider as an essential resource for life on Earth. Without us consciously thinking about it, the ocean provides: about 70% of the oxygen that we breathe, absorbs a huge amount of carbon dioxide and converts it to oxygen, the food we eat, extraordinary biodiversity, the transportation of goods, the support for local economies, travel destinations, recreation"

How does the result of the reduction of Single Use plastic bags in Long Beach and in Nassau county, and hearing back from Trader Joes about reducing plastic from their stores help your movement to ban single use plastic bags?

"Traders Joe's ... We have all been wondering...waiting...WAKE UP PEOPLE! Anything that makes people aware. What else is it about except raising awareness through example around the need to eliminate or at least cut back our uses of plastic bags. There is No away!"